The quilting community has become a unlikely voice of dissent against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, joining a growing chorus of celebrities and ordinary Americans in condemning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
When Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse at a Minneapolis VA hospital, was fatally shot by Border Patrol officers in January, it marked a turning point. The incident went viral on social media, with many influencers sharing videos and offering their opinions on the graphic footage. Suddenly, what had once been apolitical forums have become platforms for condemnation of ICE's actions.
Glenn Close, Billie Eilish, Ethan Hawke, Natalie Portman, Katy Perry, and Edward Norton are among those who have spoken out against ICE, with even quilters and cat lovers weighing in on social media. The response has been overwhelming, with over 800 employees at top tech companies like Google and Microsoft calling for their bosses to condemn ICE.
The administration's efforts to spin the narrative after Pretti's shooting also backfired. Social media played a significant role in shaping public opinion, creating a permission structure that invited people who aren't normally immersed in politics to take a stance. As a result, even some Trump voters are starting to rebel against the president's mass deportation policy.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the population, with thousands of ordinary Americans taking to the streets in peaceful protest. Bruce Springsteen recently released a protest anthem inspired by his song "Streets of Philadelphia," which has struck a chord and gone viral online.
The fact that this is happening at all is a testament to the power of social media in shaping public opinion. While it can be toxic, in this instance, it's done some good, bringing attention to the issue and mobilizing ordinary Americans to take action against ICE's authoritarian tactics.
When Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse at a Minneapolis VA hospital, was fatally shot by Border Patrol officers in January, it marked a turning point. The incident went viral on social media, with many influencers sharing videos and offering their opinions on the graphic footage. Suddenly, what had once been apolitical forums have become platforms for condemnation of ICE's actions.
Glenn Close, Billie Eilish, Ethan Hawke, Natalie Portman, Katy Perry, and Edward Norton are among those who have spoken out against ICE, with even quilters and cat lovers weighing in on social media. The response has been overwhelming, with over 800 employees at top tech companies like Google and Microsoft calling for their bosses to condemn ICE.
The administration's efforts to spin the narrative after Pretti's shooting also backfired. Social media played a significant role in shaping public opinion, creating a permission structure that invited people who aren't normally immersed in politics to take a stance. As a result, even some Trump voters are starting to rebel against the president's mass deportation policy.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the population, with thousands of ordinary Americans taking to the streets in peaceful protest. Bruce Springsteen recently released a protest anthem inspired by his song "Streets of Philadelphia," which has struck a chord and gone viral online.
The fact that this is happening at all is a testament to the power of social media in shaping public opinion. While it can be toxic, in this instance, it's done some good, bringing attention to the issue and mobilizing ordinary Americans to take action against ICE's authoritarian tactics.